The sky is falling, the sky is falling. No,

The sky is falling, the sky is falling. No, it’s a shower of Virginia apples. To help you get in on the action, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announces the availability of the 1986 Virginia Apple Guide. “This guide contains 32 locations in Virginia where you can buy pick-yourown or fresh-picked apples,” says Lisa Lafoon, marketing specialist with VDACS. Other products available at these locations include homebaked goods, apple cider and apple butter.

Apple picking season always brings to mind the apple folklore which produces an image of the famous “Johnny Appleseed.” Remembered as the patron saint of American apple orchards, his lifelong efforts were devoted to scattering apple seeds throughout the countryside. Actually he was a noted businessman who ventured into the “new frontier” leasing land and developing fruit tree orchards. At his death he had accumulated approximately 1,200 acres of orchards.

Apples also served a very important role in Roman and Greek mythology symbolizing love and beauty. Almost everyone, young and old alike, has heard the old adage that an “apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

This saying has been in existence for over 300 years. In truth, apples may not prevent you from ever having to visit a doctor’s office, but they do contain many important vitamins and nutrients. They help to cleanse teeth and massage gums, are low in calories and aid in eliminating intestinal disorders because of the natural bulk.

Now that school is starting up again, what is a child’s lunchbox without a shiny Virginia apple in it? And what is a better apple for the teacher than a Virginia apple? Picking apples in a Virginia orchard is an eryoyable activity the whole family can eiyoy. To receive your free Virginia Apple Guide, send a self-addressed stamped, business-size envelope to Apple Guide, VDACS, P.O. Box 1163, Room 801, Rich